The intersection of Sports & Islam

Watch Omer Asik’s 2013-14 highlight reel

When the Rockets signed Dwight Howard in last summer’s biggest NBA free-agency move, Omer Asik was probably the least excited person in Houston.

After starting every game at center for the Rockets in 2012-13, Asik figured (rightfully) that Howard’s arrival meant his playing time would take a significant hit as long as both of them are on the same roster. Asik requested a trade before the 2013-14 season began, but the Rockets didn’t oblige, relegating Asik from full-time starting center to part-time starter splitting time between center and power forward.

Asik, a Turkish Muslim, averaged 5.8 points and 7.9 rebounds in 20 minutes per game (he played 30 minutes per game the previous season) and helped Houston reach the playoffs, where they lost to the Trail Blazers in the first round. Here are some of Asik’s highlights from his fourth season in the league: